Dangerous Borders

by Nick Coons
Oct 6, 2004

The southern Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

border is an extreme desert climate, yet one of the most popular places for people to cross into the United States illegally. The Border Patrol began counting immigrant deaths back in 1998, and has this past year reported a record-breaking 172 for the fiscal year ending September 30th. Most people when crossing the border aren't aware of the harsh conditions that they'll find in the southern part of the state, nor how to protect themselves.

Bodies are found regularly by both the Border Patrol and people visiting the area. And because of these occurrences being publicized more and more, humans rights movements for immigration policy reform are increasing. For this reason, as well as obvious others, the Border Patrol has a real interest in keeping down the number of casualties.

While it's commonly accepted that our borders are wide-open and people can go back and forth between Mexico and Arizona

Arizona	(air-i'-ZON-u')
The State of Arizona comprises the extreme south-western portion of the United States. It is bounded on the north by Utah, on the east by New Mexico, on the south by Mexico, and on the west by California and Nevada.

rather easily, some might suggest that making immigration less stringent may be a deterrent for those trying to cross illegally. And people dying because they enter into the US illegally is a definitely horrible.

However, this doesn't mean that we have any less right, or obligation, to protect our borders. Procedures, policy, and/or personnel should be put into place to make it even more difficult for people to cross our borders illegally. I have no issue with those that want to move here from Mexico legally to make a better life for themselves. I know people that have done it, and it's very possible.

It's also much safer than trying to cross a desert that you're not familiar with.